About Us

ACMCQ (the Association of Civil Marriage Celebrants Queensland) is Australia's largest membership based association of civil marriage celebrants (AKA wedding officiants). Our members are professionals who are committed to on-going professional development and providing the highest level of service to couples. Please contact us about joining www.acmcq.com/contact-us.

Code of Ethics

ACMCQ's members agree to a code of ethics that states:

I am a member of the Association of Civil Marriage Celebrants, Queensland Inc (the Association).

I am committed to observing the professional standards and ethical behaviour as set out by the Association.

I acknowledge that when acting in the capacity as a member of the Association, I shall adhere to the standards and guidelines set out in this code.

I shall

(1) Respect the rights of all stakeholders involved with the Association, treating all individuals equitably regardless of gender, age, religion or cultural background.

(2) Ensure that any activity conducted by me in the course of my membership with the Association will be discharged with honesty and integrity.

(3) Conduct myself in a professional manner; acknowledging that my actions should not compromise or call into question the professionalism of the Association.

(4) Commit to the Association; and operate within its framework and when working with other members encourage the same commitment,

(5) Never speak publicly about the Association, its members or other stakeholders unless endorsed to do so by the Association or have any facts presented verified by the Association.

(6) Be responsible for my own actions as a professional member of the Association.

(7) Not act or agree to act in any capacity that is in direct conflict with the interests of the Association or which may be seen as to be prejudicial to the Association and its operation.

(8) In my capacity as a Member of the Association not engage in or knowingly become a party to any undertaking or activity that would be considered illegal, unprofessional or unethical.

(9) Not use any confidential information gained as a member of the Association either for personal gain or to compromise the reputation of the Association.

Code of Practice

ACMCQ's members agree to a code of practice that has been developed by the Australian Government.

Code of Practice for marriage celebrants
(regulation 37L)

(1) Application of this Code of Practice

This Code of Practice applies to marriage celebrants (being persons registered under Subdivision C of Division 1 of Part IV of the Marriage Act 1961).

NoteUnder paragraph 39I(1)(b) of the Marriage Act 1961, if the Registrar of Marriage Celebrants is satisfied that a marriage celebrant has not complied with an obligation under section 39G of that Act, including this Code of Practice, the Registrar may take disciplinary measures against the marriage celebrant.

(2) High standard of service

A marriage celebrant must maintain a high standard of service in his or her professional conduct and practice.

(3) Recognition of significance of marriage

A marriage celebrant must recognise the social, cultural and legal significance of marriage and the marriage ceremony in the Australian community, and the importance of strong and respectful family relationships.

(4) Compliance with the Marriage Act and other laws

A marriage celebrant must:

(a) solemnize marriages according to the legal requirements of the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth); and

(b) observe the laws of the Commonwealth and of the State or Territory where the marriage is to be solemnized; and

(5) General requirements for marriage ceremonies

A marriage celebrant must respect the importance of the marriage ceremony to the parties and the other persons organising the ceremony. To that end, the marriage celebrant must do the following:

(a) give the parties information and guidance to enable them to choose or compose a marriage ceremony that will meet their needs and expectations;

(b) respect the privacy and confidentiality of the parties;

(c) maintain appropriate facilities to interview parties and provide office facilities, including facilities for the secure storage of records;

(d) within a reasonable time before the marriage ceremony:

(i) confirm all details with the parties; and

(ii) ensure the return of all personal documents belonging to the parties (unless it is necessary to keep the documents for the ceremony); and

(iii) sign any necessary declarations;

(e) if requested by the parties, conduct a marriage ceremony rehearsal;

(f) ensure that his or her personal presentation is of an appropriate standard for the marriage ceremony, and respect the expectations of the parties in relation to the ceremony;

(g) make efforts to ensure that the marriage ceremony is audible to all those present (using audio equipment, if required);

(h) ensure accuracy in the preparation of documents, and in the conduct of the marriage ceremony;

(i) arrive at the venue for the marriage ceremony no later than the time agreed with the parties;

(j) if the marriage celebrant has agreed to perform more than one marriage ceremony on the same day:

(i) ensure that the parties to each marriage receive a level of service that meets their separate and special requirements; and

(ii) be available at the venue for each marriage ceremony at least 20 minutes before the agreed commencement of each ceremony (unless, in the case of consecutive ceremonies, the ceremonies are to be held at the same venue);

(k) ensure that all relevant documents are completed and sent to the appropriate registering authority within 14 days after the marriage ceremony, as required by section 50 of the Marriage Act 1961;

(l) in relation to the provision of marriage services, accept evaluative comment from the parties, and use any comments to improve performance;

(m) give the parties information about how to notify the Commonwealth Attorney-General?s Department of any concerns or complaints they may have regarding the marriage services provided by the marriage celebrant.

(6) Knowledge and understanding of family relationships services

A marriage celebrant must:

(a) maintain an up-to-date knowledge about appropriate family relationships services in the community; and

(b) inform parties about the range of information and services available to them to enhance, and sustain them throughout, their relationship.

This page was last updated on 1 January 2008.

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